Rumors could fly without wings and run without feet. Even before the Book of Friends and Communication Peas existed, news traveled quickly through the Wizarding World.
So over the past few days, the Magical Congress headquarters had become like a busy hive. Officials and government employees hurried back and forth, their faces filled with exhaustion and tension.
Paper Airplanes of every color darted through the air and between floors in the headquarters hall, each seeming to carry an urgent message.
In the chairman's office, letters had piled up like mountains on Niccolo Hawthorne's desk, while owls continued delivering more.
Wizards living across the United States had heard about the fake video and sent anxious inquiries, fearing that the fires of witch-hunting would flare up again.
Commercial associations and Pure-blood families from all over the country had jointly sent letters demanding that Congress take strong action immediately. Otherwise, the American Wizarding World would "slide into the abyss."
Even the Ministries of Magic of other countries had sent inquiries, worried that the fire burning in the United States would spread into their own backyards.
"Chairman Hawthorne, reporters from the New York Ghost have been waiting in the meeting room for two hours! They hope we can give them an official statement!"
Before the assistant had even finished reporting, another employee hurried in.
"Chairman Hawthorne, Headmaster Fontana of Ilvermorny has asked whether the holiday should be extended to ensure the students' safety."
Right afterward, Lyla Piquery knocked on the door with a grave expression. "Chairman Hawthorne, representatives from twelve countries have requested a meeting with you!"
She had been so busy that her feet barely touched the ground, and her voice had already become hoarse.
Directly beneath the chairman's office, the Auror Office was unusually quiet. Only two or three clerks were gathering